The relationship between Japan and Korea reflects deep-seated and long-standing prejudice….

The relationship between Japan and Korea reflects
deep-seated and long-standing prejudice. Historically, Korea had closer ties to
China than did Japan, and both Korea and China tended to view Japan as a
troublemaking state. This view was reinforced time and again by Japanese
incursions into Korean territory and 35 years of Japans colonial rule. It has
only been in recent years that the South Korean and Japanese governments have
signed mutual friendship treaties, established normal diplomatic relations, and
entered into joint economic development agreements. In an act of historic

The relationship between Japan and Korea reflects
deep-seated and long-standing prejudice. Historically, Korea had closer ties to
China than did Japan, and both Korea and China tended to view Japan as a
troublemaking state. This view was reinforced time and again by Japanese
incursions into Korean territory and 35 years of Japans colonial rule. It has
only been in recent years that the South Korean and Japanese governments have
signed mutual friendship treaties, established normal diplomatic relations, and
entered into joint economic development agreements. In an act of historic
symbolism, South Korea and Japan cohosted the 2002 World Cup soccer games.
Despite economic ties, there remains a sense of han, or bitter resentment, that
many Koreans feel toward the Japanese.